exotics don't sell out as fast as regular items b/c they are usually much higher in price than traditional leathers, some people are offended by them and won't purchase, and other people - like you - just aren't overly sure what they are all about and how they will wear over time. exotics are much more delicate than any leathers - the exceptions are ostrich and stringray. if you're a complete newbie to exotics start with something ostrich because they are VERY hard-wearing and can suffer lots of damage and abuse. i have a lot of ostrich stuff and love it. python (like the Prada one you showed) would be one to avoid - i have a python item but they don't wear well (scales lift and they can look worn out even when only used minimally). my exotics are all pre-loved only, i don't feel good buying these items new for animal rights reasons but if they are already out there in the world i'm ok with it. the pre-loved market is a good place to look and get lower prices if you want to try an exotic piece without the super high original retail prices
Are excotic skins..Worth to go?
- Thread starter Bearberry
- Start date
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I'll offer a different perspective than some.
1) I adore exotics. As long as I / you buy from brands who don't source from endangered species, I see no ethical issues above what there are for cow and lamb leather.
2) I am scared of exotics. They are hard to keep looking pristine. In particar, scales lift which drives me batty.
3) Certain brands do exotics well. Gucci is one that I trust / love.
4) Ya never know what will happen. I bought this Prada bag with snakeskin trim. I ABUSE this bag and use it for beachy pursuits. Yet, it still looks great. Here is a pic from a couple of days ago on my bday trip. No issues with the metallic snakeskin even though it's on high rub areas. Maybe a scale or two have lifted??? This is the miracle bag. LOL!
So, I just say, pick something you love and wear it knowing that it may be a bit more delicate. Life is short. Enjoy.
1) I adore exotics. As long as I / you buy from brands who don't source from endangered species, I see no ethical issues above what there are for cow and lamb leather.
2) I am scared of exotics. They are hard to keep looking pristine. In particar, scales lift which drives me batty.
3) Certain brands do exotics well. Gucci is one that I trust / love.
4) Ya never know what will happen. I bought this Prada bag with snakeskin trim. I ABUSE this bag and use it for beachy pursuits. Yet, it still looks great. Here is a pic from a couple of days ago on my bday trip. No issues with the metallic snakeskin even though it's on high rub areas. Maybe a scale or two have lifted??? This is the miracle bag. LOL!
So, I just say, pick something you love and wear it knowing that it may be a bit more delicate. Life is short. Enjoy.
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WOW....another BIG THANKSS to all of you lovely pf members who just kindly visited my thread..Also lotss of thankss to all of your great sharing/ tips/ advices...I totally truely appreciate to you all!! I have learnt a lot about the excotic skin so far....As ccbaggiral said,..i might too newbie for these skins maybe have to take a deep breath..and starting to count from one before making any decision.By the way,Sparkletastic, you pic of Prada bag is so nice..lifely and so unique..!! I believe by looking at your lovely bag, we all here can feel of the "beach moment.".( even the wave sound!!) be late HBD to you as well 
At last, i might go with a conv. leather..hei hei till i bit know them more
At last, i might go with a conv. leather..hei hei till i bit know them more
I also wouldn't purchase a new exotic, i would feel guilty-- but i'm okay with it if it's a vintage piece that's already out there. with that said, much of the vintage exotics i've come across have had some kind of damage or aging to the skin/scales lifted, etc... makes me nervous about future wear and tear so i tend not to reach for these bags too often. by the way, if anyone here has experience with lizard skin and whether they were able to restore or touch up, please share. i've searched the forum and haven't come across much specifically for lizard.
I have lizard pieces going back to the 1950s (like my Bellstone below, to the rear - so that's over 60 yo). It's like most things, to buy once, buy quality. It's impossible to restore skins when they're 'gone' but good specialists may be able to add moisture (recondition) if the skin looks dry. I would say apart from don't get them drenched in the rain, exotics need a little more care in storage and that's it.
which of her pics are you referring to? i have python stuff and at first glance pic #1 looks like it. quick dustbag pic of one
Yours is a beautiful python
This is OP's photo (click to enlarge)
Her other choice was a wonderful LV impretine leather (navy with red trim) wallet, also fabulously glamourous.
ok, what am i looking at? i see this? TPF is playing with me
either way, i still recommend no python for newbies... i just know from experience it's not the best. maybe i'll try lizard one day
LOL! Ok. I've had people tell me it's snake in general, Python in specific and now lizard. Whatever it is, it wears well and I dearly love the little reptile.
ok, what am i looking at? i see this? TPF is playing with me
View attachment 3906560
Ah, OK, I see, I see, now I see
I'm sorry you had a bad experience with python.
For you 10 yo Prada lizard shoes
You have python so the following is not directed at you but for newbies.
There are different treatments to python that make a difference to whether it looks pristine. Traditional shaven (smooth) python like the hand-painted Chanel python jacket from the early '00s below, still looks like the day bought. In contrast, the beige-pink Prada python jacket, all the scales were left naturally long and has 'lifting' going on but looks to me interesting texture-wise and just as pretty. It depends on how you like your python. The reason I've chosen to use jackets rather than bags as examples is that jackets a) show even more wear b) (these) are of similar age and C) were shot the same day, same light.
Click to enlarge:
Shaven Chanel
V
natural texture python
I think @Bearberry will make the perfect choice for herself, the LV impretine leather is both durable and glamourous with that flash of red edging but both Prada's are precious. The plus from the Prada python WOC is of course she can wear it as a bag. Honestly, she can't go wrong with any.
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LOL! Ok. I've had people tell me it's snake in general, Python in specific and now lizard. Whatever it is, it wears well and I dearly love the little reptile.
Could be ayers
Whatever the trim, your bag is total Summer chic
your little reptile? that's cuteLOL! Ok. I've had people tell me it's snake in general, Python in specific and now lizard. Whatever it is, it wears well and I dearly love the little reptile.
your bag is actually very nice, i like that it just has accents of reptile to enhance the bag.i have a few items, all pre-loved pythons, all with natural long scales ... tbh i'm 80% in love with them and 20% freaked out by them
very helpful comparison pics, thank you. even those who own similar items can learn more from others as i just have!Ah, OK, I see, I see, now I see
I'm sorry you had a bad experience with python.
For you 10 yo Prada lizard shoes
View attachment 3906659
You have python so the following is not directed at you but for newbies.
There are different treatments to python that make a difference to whether it looks pristine. Traditional shaven (smooth) python like the hand-painted Chanel python jacket from the early '00s below, still looks like the day bought. In contrast, the beige-pink Prada python jacket, all the scales were left naturally long and has 'lifting' going on but looks to me interesting texture-wise and just as pretty. It depends on how you like your python. The reason I've chosen to use jackets rather than bags as examples is that jackets a) show even more wear b) (these) are of similar age and C) were shot the same day, same light.
Click to enlarge:
Shaven Chanel
View attachment 3906618
V
natural texture python
View attachment 3906619
I think @Bearberry will make the perfect choice for herself, the LV impretine leather is both durable and glamourous with that flash of red edging but both Prada's are precious. The plus from the Prada python WOC is of course she can wear it as a bag. Honestly, she can't go wrong with any.